Drapery treatment

ABSTRACT

A treatment for mounting on a vertical structure such as a wall, the treatment comprising a valance having a continuous insertion means and a valance rod having a central axis. The valance rod also has at least one channel grove. The rod is typically mounted by at least two brackets onto the vertical structure such that it is substantially parallel with the horizon. Further, the at least one channel groove is substantially parallel with the central axis of the valance rod, the channel groove forming a uniform groove on the rod surface to allow the insertion means to be placed therein. The valance rod is coupled to the vertical structure, the continuous insertion means fitting within the at least one channel groove, thus allowing the valance to hang substantially parallel to the vertical structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of earlier filed Ser. No. 09/545,553 filed Apr. 7, 2000, entitled “Drapery Treatment”, by the same inventor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates in general to treatments for windows. More particularly, the present invention relates to treatments such as drapes and curtains and the rod that holds such in place on a wall.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Draperies, curtains, and other solid or soft materials have been used for years in the interior decorating arts. These devices serve both a functional and a decorative purpose. The draperies can act as insulation both in the winter and summer for windows and doorways, while also keeping light out of a room, or diminishing direct light. Further, drapes and other treatments are decorative and enhance the aesthetic beauty of an interior room. Given the abundant use of drapes and other window treatments, much attention has been given to finding ways in which to hang the drapes from the wall or widow.

[0006] Most methods of hanging drapes incorporates the use of hooks or rings, whereby the fabric drapes are first fitted with the plurality of hooks along its top edge, and then hanging the hooks onto a runner within a rod, the rod then attached to a wall. If a solid treatment such as a decorative wood piece is desired, another means of attaching the piece is necessary. While the use of hooks is old in the art, it has several drawbacks. Using hooks are costly and time consuming. As sharp objects, the point of the hook can easily pierce a hand or finger. The smallest amount of blood on white or light colored fabric can be costly to remove. The hooks are cumbersome, and add further complexity to the installation in that they have to be adjusted to different positions for each style of rod. This in turn makes it difficult for the average person to implement a window treatment themselves. Further, while materials such as velcro may offer ease of use, manufacturing valances using velcro is difficult in that more sewing of material is required.

[0007] Given the time and expense in installing window treatments, it would be ideal to have the curtain (or valance) and the rod be both functional and decorative, while also easily installed. What is thus needed is a treatment that is versatile enough to allow both solid and fabric valances to be installed on a wall, while also being easy and inexpensive to implement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide a means for placing a valance such as a drapery or solid structure on a wall for functional and decorative effect, especially before a window.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a treatment that is simpler to use than prior window treatments, the need for hooks, rings, and other individual fastening devices being eliminated.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a treatment that is easier to use and of lower cost that prior art treatments, the present invention having fewer parts than most prior art treatments, hence less complex.

[0011] These and other objects are achieved by providing a treatment for mounting on a vertical structure such as a wall, the treatment comprising a valance having a continuous insertion means and a valance rod having a central axis. The valance rod also has at least one channel grove. The rod is typically mounted by at least two brackets onto the vertical structure such that it is substantially parallel with the horizon. Further, the at least one channel groove is substantially parallel with the central axis of the valance rod, the channel groove forming a uniform groove on the rod surface to allow the insertion means to be placed therein. The valance rod is coupled to the vertical structure, the continuous insertion means fitting within the at least one channel groove, thus allowing the valance to hang substantially parallel to the vertical structure.

[0012] Hereinafter, the term “valance” refers in general to fabric (synthetic or natural derived), wood, metal, or plastic formations such as traditional curtains, drapes, fabric valances, shadeboards, that are used as decorative and functional treatments to hang from vertical or above-floor level structures such as walls, doors, ceilings, windows, or other structures.

[0013] The valance rod can be made of wood, metal, or other suitable, sturdy materials. The valance can be either soft materials such as fabric or a solid material such as wood or metal, and being made decorative and of various shapes and sizes. The continuous insertion means that is coupled to the valance is of a shape and size that will allow it to be fit within the channel groove or mortise within the rod and held in place once mounted on a wall. The insertion means can be a dowel such as a wooden dowel, or cording sewn into the fabric itself.

[0014] Additional objects, features and advantages will be apparent in the written description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the treatment of the invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a close-up view of one embodiment of the valance rod and continuous insertion means of the invention;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 wherein the insertion means is inserted into the valance rod;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the insertion means of the invention;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the insertion means in FIG. 4 being inserted into a valance rod of the invention;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the treatment;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a close-up of the valance in FIG. 6 being inserted into the valance rod of the invention;

[0023]FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an end bracket used with the valance rod of the invention; and;

[0024]FIG. 9 is a side view of the end bracket inserted into the valance rod of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The present invention is a treatment for mounting on a vertical structure such as a wall, door, or window. Typically, the treatment is a drapery or valance placed before a window or doorway having an opening, the valance being both decorative and functional in blocking light and as insulation. Hereinafter, the term valance is used to refer to any fabric, wood, metal, plastic, or other type of material that is draped or hung from a rod for decorative and/or insulation purposes. When traditional fabric drapes or curtains are used as the valance, the drapes may have associated drawing apparatuses. The treatment comprises a valance having a continuous insertion means such as sewnin cording or an attached dowel and a valance rod.

[0026] The valance rod is best described as having a central axis and also having at least one channel grove. The valance rod can be cylindrical in shape, square or rectangular in cross-section, oval, or other shapes. Preferably, the valance rod should be of such a strength that it can hold drapery or wood structures (the valance) from at least 1-10 lbs. The valance rod is typically mounted to the wall or other vertical structure by at least two brackets such that the rod is substantially parallel with the horizon, or level. The brackets can be any solid structure that can hold the entire treatment to the wall.

[0027] The channel groove cut into the valance rod allows the fabric to slide inside the channel. Cording or a small dowel rod can act as the continuous insertion means and hold the fabric in place on the rod. The fabric can be hand-folded as well to create a variety of drapery treatments. The valance rod and continuous insertion means are designed such that no hooks, pleats, rings, tabs, or hook-and-loop material is needed to hold the fabric in place.

[0028] There may be more than one channel groove cut into the valance rod. In the preferred embodiment, there is one channel groove in the valance rod that is substantially parallel with the central axis of the valance rod. The channel groove forms a uniform groove on the rod surface to allow the insertion means to be placed therein. The groove can be of any desirable shape and size, depending upon the shape and size of the continuous insertion means used. For example, if the insertion means is a cylindrical dowel or cording of a specific diameter, then the channel groove should have an inside surface that will allow the diameter of the dowel or cording to be slid within throughout its length.

[0029] The valance and the continuous insertion means are a unitary feature of the invention, both being coupled together to form one unit. The valance is inserted using manual force into the valance rod through the channel, thus forming the treatment of the invention. The treatment, when assembled, comprises the valance rod being coupled to the vertical structure while the continuous insertion means is fitted within the at least one channel groove, thus allowing the valance to hang substantially parallel to the vertical structure. The valance can be of any length, and may be of a width less than or equal to the length of the valance rod itself.

[0030] As stated, the continuous insertion means can be a dowel rod, wherein the dowel rod is removably held within the groove created within the valance. The dowel rod can be made from either a solid material such as wood or metal, or made from a flexible material such as a natural or synthetic fiber or mesh formed into a cylindrical shape that fits the width of the valance to be used. The dowel should be at least as long as the width of the valance, and may be longer.

[0031] The invention is described more particularly with reference to the Figures, beginning with FIG. 1. In general, treatment 11 consists of valance rod 13 having a central axis A, and valance 15. Valance 15 can be made from a variety of soft or solid materials. The soft material maybe such materials as cotton, nylon, polyester, or other woven and non-woven material, while the solid material may be such materials as metal or wood. The valance 15 is typically of a decorative nature such that it may have pleats, various colors and/or designs. Also, valance 15 maybe designed so that it can be drawn upwards or downwards with a drawing means such as drawstrings and pulley systems well known in the art.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, treatment 11 also comprises a channel groove 17 extending through valance rod 13. Valance rod 13 also has a central axis A. The channel groove 17 runs parallel through the central axis A, the groove forming a uniform groove or cavity on the rod surface to allow the insertion means to be placed therein. Finally, the treatment 11 may have decorative end pieces 23 and 25, the treatment being mounted on a vertical structure with brackets 19 and 21. End pieces are typically mounted after the valance is inserted into the valance rod 13.

[0033] The continuous insertion means will be described in further detail with reference to FIG. 2. The valance rod end 27 of valance rod 13 is shown having the channel groove 17 therein. Further, the valance rod 13 has a rod surface 29 through which the channel groove 17 forms a groove or cavity along the outside surface extending inward into valance rod 13. In the present embodiment, the groove consists of surfaces 101 and 103 that form an initial groove between the surface 29 and the groove 17, and surfaces 105, 107, and 109 which form the inside surface of the groove 17 wherein the continuous insertion means resides once inserted.

[0034] The channel groove 17 may take any shape or form that is appropriate for securing the continuous insertion means 31 as shown in FIG. 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, continuous insertion means 31 is a circular-shaped being inserted into a channel or wrap 35 created by fabric valance 15. In this embodiment, continuous insertion means 31 is a dowel made of such materials as wood, metal, or a rigid polymer or plastic material. Once the continuous insertion means 31 is inserted into channel 35, the insertion means is then inserted into the channel groove 17 starting at the valance rod end 27. Although only one channel groove is shown in FIG. 2, it is to be understood that more than one channel groove can be formed into the valance rod 13, such that two, three or more valances can be hung from the rod.

[0035] The continuous insertion means inserted into the valance rod 13 is shown with reference to FIG. 3, showing a cutaway end view of valance rod 13 with the continuous insertion means 31 therein. Bracket 19 supports the valance rod 13 against a vertical structure 33. The bracket 19 is supported by a fastening means 37 such as a screw, nail, adhesive, or other suitable fastening mean. As shown in FIG. 8, special end brackets 80 maybe used to hold the fabric 15 in place. The end brackets have a plate 82 that can be attached to the vertical structure 33 by the fastening means 37. Perpendicularly extending from the plate 82 is horizontal support member 84. The length of the horizontal support member 84 is at least the radius of the valance rod 13. Since the valance rod 13 is supported by the special brackets there must be sufficient area between the vertical structure 33 and the special bracket 80 to allow for placement and support of the valance rod 13. The vertical support member 84 has a decorative side (92 in FIG. 9) and a support side 94 parallel to the vertical structure 33 and a general “U” shaped profile but may have any profile that will fulfill the function of supporting the valance rod 13. The support side 94 ends in a general “T” shaped profile 88 (FIG. 9) or any other profile that would fit into channel groove 17. Thus, the profile 88 fits within the same groove 17 that is used to support the dowel 31.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the valance 15 (in this case a fabric material) is wrapped or sewn around continuous insertion means 31. The fabric thus formed constitutes the channel or wrap 35. In general, channel groove 17 should be formed such that the distance between surface 101 and 103 is smaller than the distance between surface 105 and 107. This allows the continuous insertion means 31, which can be either a dowel or a cord formed into the fabric material, to be secured within the groove 17 while the material hangs down from the channel to the exterior thus forming a valance.

[0037] Another embodiment of the invention is shown with reference to FIG. 4, wherein flexible dowel 39 forms the continuous insertion means of the invention. The dowel 39 is made of a flexible material such as a flexible polymer like nylon or polyester, woven tightly enough to form a cylindrically-shaped dowel. This dowel 39 is either inserted into a channel 41 or the fabric valance 15 is wrapped around the dowel 39, forming the channel or wrap 41. The manual insertion of dowel 39 having valance 15 is shown with reference to FIG. 5, wherein the valance rod 13 is manually manipulated while also manipulating the dowel 13 and valance 15. The dowel is inserted into channel 17 with the fabric valance hanging free from the channel formed by channel groove 17. The dowel 39 can be inserted continuously until it forms one continuous valance as shown in FIG. 1. It is to be understood that the length of dowel 31, and hence the width of valance 15, can be equal to or less than the length of valance rod 13.

[0038] The invention can be easily assembled by one person as shown in FIG. 5, wherein a cording of about ¾ inch coupled to a drapery valance is being inserted into the channel groove. While one hand is gripping the rod, another hand grips the valance. The insertion means is then inserted into the channel 17 at either end of the rod, followed by insertion of the valance into the channel. The valance is slid into the channel as one continuous piece, the insertion means being a continuous, unitary part of the valance itself.

[0039] Yet another embodiment of the invention is shown specifically with reference to FIG. 6. A solid valance 43 or “shadeboard” is made of wood, plastic or metal and cut to any design or shape. This is know as “hard-treatments”. The valance 43 has a width W that, in the present embodiment, is less than the length of the valance rod. The shadeboard also allows the wall space above the window openings to be covered. Covering the wall space above a window opening allows the window fashion treatment to be made taller. In window fashions, height is a desirable element of design. The solid valance 43 hangs from valance rod 13 in a similar manner to a fabric valance such as shown in FIG. 1.

[0040] Referring further to FIG. 7, solid valance 43 has a routed T-slot tenon joint 45 cut into the upper portion of the valance, thus forming the continuous insertion means of the present invention. The T-slot joint 45 is cut such that it matches the inside structure of channel groove 17 (mortise). The T-slot joint 45 forms two lips 47 (other not shown) on either side of valance 43, thus contacting surfaces 49 and 51 once inserted into groove 17. The joint 45 can be any number of geometries, the shape and size being determined by the shape, size, and fit of the continuous insertion means used. It is to be understood that the total width W of the valance 43 can be equal to or less than the length of valance rod 13.

[0041] There are several advantages to the present invention. In this window or door treatment, flat panels may be attached to wood poles without the use of traditional hooks, tabs, rings, plastic, or metal slides. This makes its use much simpler than the prior art, and of lower cost.

[0042] The treatment of the present invention has the advantage of using only two components to produce the treatment: a rod and the valance. Prior art methods of making treatments required many parts such as hooks or velcro along with two or more parts of the valance, then a rod system that may have hooks, lines, and/or pulleys.

[0043] Another advantage to the present invention is that the cording often used merely for decorative purposes on draperies can be used functionally in the present invention, whereby the cording is inserted into an appropriately shaped and sized channel groove, thus serving as a continuous insertion means.

[0044] The treatment, once assembled, creates a system for a variety of design applications. The fabric can be designed in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors to create swags, traditional valances, Roman shades, balloons, and stationary panels.

[0045] Yet another advantage to the present invention is that it allows the use of solid (wood, metal) and fabric valances on the same structure, both of which can be easily changed out. This is not possible in the prior art, wherein one rod was made exclusively for hanging fabric drapes using hooks or other means that would not easily be adaptable to a heavier, solid wood or metal structure.

[0046] While the invention has been shown in only one of its forms, it is not thus limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A treatment for mounting on a vertical structure, the treatment comprising: a valance having a continuous insertion means; a valance rod having at least one channel grove; wherein the valance rod is coupled to the vertical structure, the continuous insertion means fitting within the at least one channel groove, thus allowing the valance to hang substantially parallel to the vertical structure and wherein the valance rod is supported at either end by end brackets which have a mating profile for fitting within the channel groove.
 2. The treatment of claim 1, wherein the continuous insertion means is a cording coupled to a fabric valance.
 3. The treatment of claim 1, wherein the continuous insertion means is a routed mating groove in a solid structure.
 4. The treatment of claim 1, wherein the continuous insertion means is a dowel rod.
 5. The treatment of claim 4, wherein the dowel rod is removably held within a channel created within the valance.
 6. The treatment of claim 4, wherein the dowel rod is made from a flexible material.
 7. The treatment of claim 1, wherein the valance rod is made of wood.
 8. The treatment of claim 1, wherein at least two brackets hold the valance rod in place on the vertical structure.
 9. The treatment of claim 1, wherein the valance is a fabric material.
 10. The treatment of claim 1, wherein the valance is a solid material such as metal or wood.
 11. The treatment of claim 1, wherein the vertical structure is a wall, and wherein the treatment is used as a drapery for an outside opening such as a door or window.
 12. A treatment for mounting on a vertical structure, the treatment comprising: a valance having a continuous insertion means; a valance rod having a central axis and also having at least one channel grove, the rod being mounted by at least two brackets onto the vertical structure such that it is substantially parallel with the horizon; the at least one channel groove being substantially parallel with the central axis of the valance rod, the channel groove forming a uniform groove on the rod surface to allow the insertion means to be placed therein; wherein the valance rod is coupled to the vertical structure, the continuous insertion means fitting within the at least one channel groove, thus allowing the valance to hang substantially parallel to the vertical structure and wherein the valance rod is supported at either end by end brackets which have a mating profile for fitting within the channel groove.
 13. The treatment of claim 12, wherein the continuous insertion means is a cording coupled to a fabric valance.
 14. The treatment of claim 12, wherein the continuous insertion means is a routed mating groove in a solid structure.
 15. The treatment of claim 12, wherein the continuous insertion means is a dowel rod.
 16. The treatment of claim 15, wherein the dowel rod is removably held within a channel created within the valance.
 17. The treatment of claim 15, wherein the dowel rod is made from a flexible material.
 18. The treatment of claim 12, wherein the valance rod is made of wood.
 19. The treatment of claim 12, wherein at least two brackets hold the valance rod in place on the vertical structure.
 20. The treatment of claim 12, wherein the valance is a fabric material.
 21. The treatment of claim 12, wherein the valance is a solid material such as metal or wood.
 22. The treatment of claim 12, wherein the vertical structure is a wall, and wherein the treatment is used as a drapery for an outside opening such as a door or window. 